A Guide to North Iceland’s Best Geothermal Pools
Produced in Collaboration With Inspired by Iceland
Words & Photography by Alison Engstrom
There is something to be said about a vacation spent in nature. Experiencing the elements first hand, whether that means setting out on a hike that challenges the body and the mind, staring up at a dark sky full of stars, beaming up at a waterfall, or swimming your way through a foreign body of water, all are rewarding ways to reconnect with not only Mother Earth but ourselves.
Iceland, the land of dualities of fire and ice, has a gentler side to its otherworldly, volcanic terrain, one that is centered around water. The country abounds with geothermal activity, which yields pools—also known as hot pots—that are both natural and manmade and have become integral to the Icelandic way of life. The waters are laden with beneficial minerals that can appease skin maladies like eczema and rosacea, and the healing properties stretch beyond just the physical. Soaking induces a sense of calm to the mind, it can alleviate arthritis, and can even help travelers with jet lag. Typically, I have to down espresso after espresso to get through the first day of travel without a nap, but on my trip, I adjusted almost immediately, since I enjoyed a soak on day one. You’ll also find the pools serving as a backdrop for locals to socialize with a beer on the weekends or after work. Beyond the famed Blue Lagoon, there are over 45 hot springs and 200 pools all powered by nature, many of which can be found off the Diamond Circle in the north. Here is a list of places where you can plunge your cares away and be enveloped in the healing power of balmy water.
The black sand beach as seen from the hot pot at Hauganes.
Hauganes Beach Hot Pots
Set on a black sand beach in the tiny town of Hauganes—the population currently reads 137—visitors can kick back in one of the three geothermal heated pools that faces the sea, which is great for cold plunges. Time your visit to lunch or dinner so you can experience the Baccalá Bar, which is a stone’s throw away.
Learn More: Hauganes Beach Hot Pots
Mývatn Nature Baths
At first whiff, the pungent odor of sulfur might be off-putting when you arrive at the Mývatn Nature Baths, but once you step foot in the cocooning, alkaline-rich water, you’ll be instantly glad you did. Situated in the heart of the Mývatn Lake region, guests can reap the unique benefits of this manmade lagoon including appeasement of respiratory and skin-related issues. After your soak, head to the geothermally heated sauna to allow the experience and minerals to fully seep into the body. While it might be tempting to shower off when you head to the locker room, think about letting the minerals sink and stay on the skin for a few hours, which welcomes the benefits even more. Looking to grab a bite to eat or drink? Visit Kaffi Kvika, where they offer a menu of light bites and snacks. myvatnnaturebaths.is
Bjórböðin - the beer spa
For beer drinkers and non-drinkers alike who have ever wondered what it would feel like to be submerged in a steaming bath of young beer, brewer’s yeast, and hops, then a visit to Bjórböðin is a must. Located just over 20 miles from Akureyri—and part of Kaldi, an Icelandic microbrewery—visitors will get to absorb all of the benefits of this soaking medium in one of the seven wooden tubs, which, unlike most hot pots, is private. A session spent in the fizzy green water, which hovers around 98 degrees Fahrenheit, comes awash with skincare and therapeutic properties. Brewer’s yeast is a natural source of B Vitamins and also offers minerals like magnesium and zinc, while hops boast anti-inflammatory elements only easing your body into a further state of deep relaxation. You can even sip on their beer during your treatment with your very own tap situated next to the tub. After your soak, head to the relaxation room to take in the experience. It is recommended that you don’t shower off for three to five hours after to allow the nutrients to stay on your skin. Before your scheduled time, you’ll want to head to one of the two outdoor tubs or the barrel sauna that peer out onto the fjord, snowcapped mountains, and Hrísey Island. For those looking to linger, there is a restaurant on the premises that features a menu of small plates and mains and a small shop where you can purchase their ale-laced skincare products. bjorbodin.is
Reservations should be booked in advance.
The barrel sauna at the Beer Spa just before sunset.
Geosea
GeoSea geothermal pool is a sublime soaking destination with a cascading infinity edge that traces a rocky crag and boasts languid views of Skjálfandi Bay and the Arctic Circle. Since opening in 2018, locals and visitors have been plunging their cares away by spending time in the balmy seawater (it’s around 102 degrees Fahrenheit) that is extracted from deep in the earth and is teeming with restorative properties. This meditative space, which has been impeccably designed with smooth concrete facades and minimal, light-filled interiors, beckons relaxation and for the body and mind. During their appropriate seasons, whale watching and Northern Lights spottings are common. geosea.is
Swimsuits, towels and bathrobes are available for rent.
Hofsós
For a local experience, off the tourist path, take a dip in the swimming pool at Hofsós. Perched above towering basalt rock formations of Staðarbjargavík, this swimming pool is traditional in looks but is heated with geothermal energy and lends splendid views of Drangey Island and the surrounding fjord. Learn More
bathing Etiquette 101
Visiting a hot pot is an authentic and immersive way to experience Icelandic bathing culture. Many of the places visited are frequented by locals but as the region begins to grow in tourism, traffic to the spots will increase. Before entering into the pool, be sure to shower off—all locations have showers stocked with shampoo, conditioner, and soap—and secure your belongings in a rented locker. At check-in, you’ll be given a towel, which is best kept indoors in the changing room. Most of the pools have swim-up bars, where guests can purchase drinks or grab a glass of water to stay hydrated.
